Val Bedretto is an Alpine mountain region with typical Ticino villages that are perfectly embedded in nature. Wintry south-facing slopes ensure sufficient snow, which is also why the valley is referred to as “little Finland of Ticino”. It’s only logical, then, that it’s also a wonderful place for cross-country skiing: the trail described is just under three kilometres long and stretches between Bedretto and Villa Bedretto. It can be accessed directly from Kantonsstrasse, below Bedretto and around 50 metres from the car park. The trail firstly leads gently downhill, following the Ticino River at all times. It takes you past an old mill that was used to saw tree trunks.

Below the village of Villa, the course takes a 180-degree turn and climbs upwards towards Nufenen Pass. The majestic summits of Val Bedretto accompany you along the way, most notably the Pesciora and the Pizzo Rotondo with its distinctive fin-shaped summit. At 3,192 metres, the latter is the highest summit of the Gotthard Massif and also gives its name to the traditional cross-country route “Gara del Pizzo Rotondo”, organised by the Bedretto ski club. The trail winds through unspoiled landscapes, snowy meadows and fields and past birch groves. The tree gave the valley its name; in Lombardian, birch is “bedra”. The Alps in the valley are known for high-quality cheese. The Pastefrolle, a sweet, S-shaped shortbread, is also made here, meaning you can enjoy a well-earned reward after your cross-country skiing session. If you’ve not quite had enough of your sporting fix, you can add on a more challenging loop that ascends towards All’Acqua at the end.